Mayor Muriel Bowser is promoting The Wharf’s new transit options in an effort to avoid a traffic mess along the renewed southwest waterfront.
Some are preparing for growing pains as thousands of people descend upon The Wharf, which runs between Maine Avenue and the Potomac River.
A new system of water taxis, shuttles and a ferry may ease the pressure on nearby roads, including Interstate 395, 7th Street and 12th Street.
Water taxis will depart from Georgetown and Arlington, and take about 25 minutes to reach The Wharf. Two 88-foot boats will carry up to 150 passengers across the Potomac several times a day.
It’s unclear how much traffic will flow through the river, though. Boats will leave about every 90 minutes at their most frequent, with some trips three hours apart. An adult round trip ticket costs $20. You can see the full schedule on the Potomac Riverboat Company website.
The Wharf Jitney will ferry people across the river from East Potomac Park to The Wharf’s pier.
Land-lovers need not fear: shuttles will depart The Wharf every 10 minutes, stopping near the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, the National Mall at 7th Street and Independence Avenue and the future home of the International Spy Museum on 10th Street.
Local
Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
The shuttles will run Sunday through Thursday until 10:00 p.m. and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Mayor Bowser tested out the shuttle and water taxi herself Tuesday.
"Just try to remember that there are many ways to get here," she said.
If you do want to brave the roads, there are some garages that avoid the restrictions about resident-only street parking.
A 1,500-space underground parking garage sits near Maine Avenue Southwest. It has three entrances near Blair Alley, 9th Avenue and Water Street.
Parking will also cost you $11 for one hour and up to $26 if you plan to stay more than four hours, according to The Wharf website. You can get a $1 discount if you validate your parking with a retailer. Fish Market enthusiasts only will shell out $2 for an hour with proper validation.
There are 11 other parking garages nearby, according to The Wharf website.
